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John 11:53

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 11:53 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “So from that day forth they took counsel that they might put him to death.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

So from that day forth they took counsel that they might put him to death.
John 11:53 — American Standard Version

Context — John 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
50nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
51Now this he said not of himself: but, being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation;
52and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God that are scattered abroad.
53So from that day forth they took counsel that they might put him to death.
54Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but departed thence into the country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there he tarried with the disciples.
55Now the passover of the Jews was at hand: and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the passover, to purify themselves.
56They sought therefore for Jesus, and spake one with another, as they stood in the temple, What think ye? That he will not come to the feast?
← John 11:52John 11:54 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then from that day forth, etc.] Caiaphas’s reasoning appeared so good, and his advice so agreeable, that it was at once, and generally assented to, except by one or two, as Nicodemus, and Joseph of Arimathea; that ever after this, they took counsel together; at certain times, and that very often, and agreed in their counsel, for to put him to death; this they resolved upon, before there was any legal process, before any crime was charged upon him, or any proof given, or he was heard what he had to say for himself; so highly approved of was Caiaphas’s motion, to put him to death, right or wrong, whether he was innocent or not; that they had nothing to do, but to consult of ways and means of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“they took council together to put him to death--Caiaphas but expressed what the party was secretly wishing, but afraid to propose. Jesus . . . walked no more openly among the Jews--How could He, unless He had wished to die before His time? near to the wilderness--of Judea. a city called Ephraim--between Jerusalem and Jericho.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“They took counsel - The judgment of the high priest silenced opposition, and they began to devise measures to put him to death without exciting tumult among the people. Compare Matthew 26:5. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“11:53-54 When the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death, Jesus made a judicious political move in response (11:54). • Ephraim was a village about twelve miles north of Jerusalem, where Jesus was safe from the Sanhedrin but close enough to walk to the upcoming Passover festival (11:55).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“from: Neh 4:16, Neh 13:21; Psa 113:2; Mat 16:21, Mat 22:46 they: Joh 11:47; Psa 2:2, Psa 31:13, Psa 71:10; Mar 3:6; Act 5:33, Act 9:23 put: Joh 12:10; Psa 109:4, Psa 109:5; Jer 38:4, Jer 38:15; Mat 26:59; Mar 14:1 John 11:54”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification